#TechTalk: Smarter VOC & Ozone Control for Flexographic and Packaging Lines

For 25 years, Ship & Shore Environmental (SSE) has partnered with the flexographic and laminating industry, providing engineered solutions that balance performance, compliance, and efficiency. Celebrating our 25th anniversary in September 2025, SSE has delivered hundreds of projects, earning a reputation for technical precision, regulatory know-how, and operational excellence.

Packaging That Pops—Safely

Today’s packaging—from morning cereals to pharmaceuticals—needs eye-catching graphics, laminations, and dimensional effects. Achieving these finishes often relies on solvent-based inks and coatings, especially in high-speed flexographic operations. While water-based systems are growing, many facilities still produce significant VOC and hydrocarbon emissions, requiring careful capture and treatment to protect air quality and worker safety.

Why Control Matters

VOCs combine with nitrogen oxides in sunlight to form smog, a contributor to respiratory illness. Some solvents are also classified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). Corona treaters, critical for improving ink adhesion, generate ozone—a highly corrosive gas that can harm equipment and personnel.

Compliance with the 0.1 ppm (8-hour TWA) standard is essential.

RTOs: The Core Technology

SSE’s Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs) destroy up to 99% of VOCs and HAPs through high-temperature oxidation (~1450–1500°F). With thermal efficiencies up to 97%, these systems reduce natural gas usage while maintaining regulatory compliance. PLC-controlled HMIs provide smooth, reliable operation.

Tailored Solutions

An RTO’s effectiveness depends on upstream ductwork and airflow. SSE optimizes capture with strategies including:

• Permanent Total Enclosures (PTEs) for press decks
• Cascading or recirculating airflow to reduce volume
• Segmented ducting for new and aging presses
• Modular layouts for expansion
• T-Damper isolation for idle lines

Ozone treatment is integrated into RTOs or handled with catalysts, and all ductwork is corrosion-resistant for safety and durability.

Maximizing Value

SSE ensures every project delivers measurable benefits:

• Process-specific oxidizer selection
• Reduced airflow and energy use, leveraging VOCs as fuel
• Secondary heat recovery for efficiency
• Planning for future upgrades
• Assistance with permitting and utility incentives

Partnering for Growth

By combining engineering expertise with hands-on support, SSE helps facilities improve air quality, enhance energy efficiency, ensure compliance, and reduce operational costs. From new builds to system upgrades, SSE ensures your emissions control strategy is reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective.

📞 Contact us at +1 (562) 997-0233
📧 Email: service@shipandshore.com